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AACC educators earn top state distance learning honors

Two Anne Arundel Community College educators took top honors at the annual Maryland Distance Learning Association (MDLA) awards ceremony. Jean Runyon, dean of Virtual Campus and Learning Advancement at AACC, was named the MDLA Distance Education Administrator of the Year. Stephen F. Steele, Ph.D., professor of Sociology and Futures Studies at AACC, was named MDLA Distance Educator of the Year for higher education.

Runyon, who has been recognized by MDLA four other times for excellence in distance learning education, created the Academy of Excellence at AACC to initiate and implement Quality Matters and peer mentoring programs for online/hybrid teaching. She has expanded online training and opportunities for faculty, staff and students. She also oversees several vital programs at AACC, including a campus-wide program for military students, fall and spring orientations and learning outcomes assessment.

Steele founded and directed both the Center for the Study of Local Issues and the Institute for the Future. He was a pioneer in developing distance learning at the college and has developed telecourses, hybrid and online courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as presented workshops for colleges, universities, organizations and businesses throughout the United States.

About Anne Arundel Community CollegeAnne Arundel Community College is an award-winning, fully accredited public two-year institution serving approximately 53,000 students each year through classes offered at more than 100 sites in Anne Arundel County or online. Having just celebrated its 50th anniversary, AACC offers national and regional award-winning studies leading to a degree, certificate, industry credential, transfer to a four-year institution or career enhancement, personal enrichment and lifelong learning.